Reviewed by: Lacey Muenstermann
What you should know about National Space Exploration Day
National Space Exploration Day is a special day of remembrance for America, as it commemorates the first crewed mission to the moon, which took place on July 20, 1969. This holiday, created by 40th U.S. president Ronald Reagan, was made to inspire youth to pursue careers in space science and exploration.
This is a day that celebrates both the past of humanity’s connection with technology and the future of where we might explore next. Keep reading to learn more about this day and why our Rocket City is so important.
It’s also known as National Moon Day
NASA’s Apollo 11 mission actually launched on July 16, 1969, with Neil Armstrong, Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and Michael Collins aboard. The ship was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida. At 10:56PM EDT on July 20, Armstrong became the first human to set foot on our moon, followed by Aldrin 19 minutes later.
“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Neil Armstrong, astronaut, USAF / NASA
Apollo 11 returned safely to Earth on July 24 at 12:50PM EDT. This mission was monumental to the development of space exploration technologies and what humans are capable of in general.
Huntsville’s contribution to National Space Exploration Day
The rocket that transported Apollo 11 to the moon was none other than Huntsville’s very own Saturn V rocket, which you can visit at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) off I-565. The rocket itself was developed in the Rocket City under the leadership of scientist Wernher von Braun at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
Decades later, Huntsville continues to play a major role in advancing space exploration. To help celebrate the anniversary of the moon landing, you can visit landmarks like the USSRC and share what you learn with your friends and family — you never know who you could inspire next!
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